Asbestos Removal and Disposal

Asbestos was widely used in Australian buildings from the 1940s to the late 1980s due to its strength, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, it poses serious health risks when disturbed.

To help keep our community safe, Glen Innes Severn Council provides the following guidance on asbestos removal, disposal, and health risks.

When Is a Licensed Contractor Required?

Under current NSW regulations:

  • You can remove up to 10m² of asbestos yourself (with caution).
  • You must hire a licensed contractor if removing more than 10m².

  • Council strongly recommends using a licensed contractor for any amount, for your safety.

Common Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos cement products may be found in:

  • Flat (fibro) or corrugated sheeting
  • Roof shingles
  • Floor tiles and underlay
  • Electrical meter boards

  • Imitation brick cladding

How to Dispose of Asbestos

Glen Innes Severn Council has developed the asbestos information resource for residents, home renovators and developers. Asbestos was commonly used in many building materials between the 1940s and the late 1980s because of its durability, fire resistance and excellent insulating properties.

Due to changes in the Regulations regarding the removal of asbestos, the owner of the property or builder cannot remove more than 10m² of asbestos material. Any amount larger than 10m² can only be removed by a licensed contractor. Council recommends that a licensed contractor be used for any removal of asbestos.

Asbestos cement products that may be found around the home include:

  • Flat (fibro) or corrugated sheeting;
  • Roof shingles;
  • Floor tiles and underlay;
  • Electrical meter boards; and
  • Imitation brick cladding

Council permits the disposal of asbestos at the Glen Innes Landfill. However, a minimum of 48 hours notice is required prior to disposal.

You can dispose of asbestos at the Glen Innes Waste Facility, but please note:

  • You must provide at least 48 hours' notice before disposal.

  • Call Council’s Department of Place & Growth on (02) 6730 2300 to book.

Health Risks of Asbestos

When disturbed, asbestos breaks into tiny airborne fibres that can be inhaled, causing serious health issues.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause:

  • Asbestosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural disorders

  • Malignant mesothelioma

Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. Thousands of cases are still expected to emerge.

Asbestos can cause serious illness

Every year in Australia, hundreds of people die from asbestos-related disease. When asbestos is disturbed, it forms a dust made up of tiny fibres. This can easily be breathed in and cause serious health problems.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to:

  • Asbestosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural disorders
  • Malignant mesothelioma

Australia has the highest national rate of reported mesothelioma in the world, presumably related to the large amount of asbestos used in the past. It is expected that there may be as many as 11,000 cases still to develop and be diagnosed.

Know the Symptoms

Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough or coughing up blood
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness

  • Unexplained weight loss

Further Resources and Support

For more information, contact Council’s Department of Place & Growth on (02) 6730 200, or call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.


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